Pedagogical Programs for a Period of Crisis: El museo mexicano (1843-1845)

Abstract

This article explores the literary periodical publication El Museo mexicano (1843-1845) in order to reveal its pedagogical program. As it shows, the magazine challenges the often-assumed clear-cut separation between liberal and conservative ideologies regarding education. In order to reveal this, the focus of this study falls on two things: first, on the specific educational goals declared by the editors in the prologues to the five volumes of the magazine; and second, on the implicitones found in its contents, paying particular attention to the articles on chemistry. This will uncover the tension created between the editor’s adherence to Liberal ideals of schooling, and the conservative sensibilities that inform their choice of materials for the magazine.